IATSE OKs Strike Against Fledgling Pac-12 Network

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IATSE claims the new network is using non-union workers in its jurisdiction and will picket several Pac-12 basketball games Saturday

IATSE has authorized a strike against the fledgling Pac-12 network, which it called an unfair employer because of its use of non-union employees at college sports broadcasts.

The union announced just after midnight that it would be set up pickets Saturday at several of the conferences men’s basketball games, including contests involving USC, Arizona State, Oregon State, Oregon and Washington.

Since going on the air in September, and operating under IATSE’s jurisdiction, the network has used non-union employees during its broadcasts of Pac-12 conference sporting events, the union said in a statement.

Calls to the network by TheWrap early Saturday morning were not returned.

The aim of the strike is to establish area standard wages and benefits for daily hire technical employees of the PAC 12 Network working on live sporting events, the union said.

Matt Loeb, president of the International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees, said that his group declared the network an unfair employer and authorized the strike after polling the executive board.

“These folks go above and beyond to guarantee the viewers the experience they deserve, and these workers deserve the dignity of a contract that secures their interests in return," he said in a statement.